Jonah's First and Second Commission
Jonah 3:1-2
And the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying,…


What are the points of difference between them? One respects Jonah himself. Formerly he knew the message that he was to deliver. Now he is simply told that a message will be given him, but he is not to know it until he arrives at the place. It may be the same. It may be milder; it may be sterner. Undoubtedly this change has reference to his former disobedience. The message was different in its substance also, to meet the change in Nineveh. When the message was given, it proved to be the never varying cry, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be destroyed." Some think he preached on this as a text; but as the cup of Nineveh's iniquity was now full, what was proper to the case was just a cry of coming judgment, brief and plain, startling, stern, unalterable, except by quick and unfeigned repentance. Probably Jonah did not add to this message by the faintest hint or suggestion. The simplest interpretation is the truest. This message makes us think.

1. Of the exceeding sinfulness of sin.

2. How inflexible is the justice of God.

3. What a stupendous power a city has for good or evil.

(A. Raleigh, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying,

WEB: The word of Yahweh came to Jonah the second time, saying,




Jonah's Commission
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